Catherine Fritz-Kalish AM is Co-Founder and Managing Director of Global Access Partners Pty Ltd. Over the last 27 years, GAP has grown to be a global network of over 4,000 members, with more than 1,000 people actively engaged in its various projects at any one time. Through its pioneering ‘Second Track’ programme, GAP initiates strategic debate on the most pressing social, economic and structural issues facing Australia, acting as a catalyst for policy implementation and reform and new economic opportunities.
Catherine oversees GAP’s diverse programme of initiatives that span industry sectors including health, environment, international relations and education, and is Chair of several GAP taskforces, advisories and steering committees.
Catherine is also Director of the International Centre for Democratic Partnerships (ICDP), a non-political organisation established in 2017 to expand and strengthen Australia-Pacific relations. ICDP works with local leadership to identify opportunities, individuals and coalitions for engagement to foster collaboration and business opportunities between Australia and the Pacific. Catherine is also Director of the ICDP Foundation, created in 2019 to support development initiatives in the Pacific.
Catherine’s broader business experience includes experience at the OECD (Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development), at headquarters in Paris; marketing and brand management at George Weston Foods Group and Directorships of various TCG Group companies.
Catherine has recently joined the board of neuroscience institute NeuRA. She is Chair of the Fritz Family Foundation supporting early childhood education in Australia. She is also a member of the advisory board for the Social Impact Hub.
She was previously Chair and Board member of social justice charity Stand Up. Catherine is also part of a significant giving circle which engages whole families in philanthropy.
Catherine has a Bachelor of Science degree (major Psychology) from UNSW and a Masters of Business in International Marketing from the University of Technology Sydney.
On 26 January 2024, Catherine was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to the corporate sector through developing public policy.